Best beaches in Thailand

Mai Khao is Phuket’s lengthiest stretch, unravelling along the coast for an impressive 11 kilometres. Although Phuket’s a popular spot with tourists, this white-sand beach is well-protected, too, as part of the Sirinat National Park, so the scenery’s pretty much untouched and you can almost always find a quiet spot for some peaceful sunbathing. Plus, if you’re visiting between November and February, make sure you keep an eye out for sea turtles. They visit in droves every year to lay their eggs.

Chaweng Beach is a crowd-pleaser if ever we’ve seen one – there's a reason it’s Koh Samui’s most popular stretch. Whether it’s bars, restaurants, street food stalls, watersports or massage parlours that you’re looking for, this stretch has you covered. And it’s all set on a five-kilometre belt of caramel-tinted sand. Snorkellers are set, too, thanks to the light blue waters and coral reefs.

Ao Nang might be small, but it’s a perfectly formed beach resort. Its bevy of bars and restaurants has food and drink well covered and its bright-white sand isn’t crammed with sunloungers. This place has secured a two-kilometre stretch of Krabi’s coastline and its waters are known for being great for swimmers. Tradition’s not been forgotten, either, look out for the long-tail boats that bob in the shallows.